'X Factor' Recap: Chris Rene Wows With Another Original Song — Could He Win?

I thought I had my favorites figured out, but now I think rapper/singer Chris Rene might be the dark horse of the competition!

What a night on The X Factor! After last week’s abysmal Michael Jacksonnight, the final five performers needed to redeem themselves, and they did just that. The first half of the show consisted of “dance hits,” which were hit and miss, but the second half was a plot twist — the singers had only 24 hours to pick a song of their choosing to perform the following night — and honestly, they all shined. Sadly, Rachel Crow didn’t thrill me as much as usual — I predict she’ll be in the bottom. However, Josh Krajcik, Melanie Amaro and Chris Rene are all strong contenders for first place, in my book.

Melanie Amaro: At first Melanie’s techno version of Adele‘s “Someone Like You” made me cringe. Why would anyone remix that song like that? However, I have to admit she killed it for what it was. Her voice is unbelievable — and her confidence level is through the roof. “That was really good. The only thing that bothered me about it was that it was really good,” L.A. said.

Marcus Canty: Although Marcus was on the chopping block last week, I thought he was awesome tonight. He is such a seasoned veteran on stage — he commands the audience attention. Personally, I probably wouldn’t go out and buy Marcus’ album. However, I’d be stoked to see him perform live in concert. “You took us to church and the dance club at the same time, I love, love, love that you chose that song,” Nicole raved. “You have earned your spot here and I’m so proud of you.”

Rachel Crow: I’m always baffled by Simon’s song choices for Rachel. He seems so dead on with his critiques, but he can’t pick a good song for her to save his life. Tonight was B.O.B.’s “Nothin’ on You,” when she sang about “beautiful girls.” When L.A. asked her about it, she said she was singing about Paula and Nicole. Paula and Nicole were obsessed with the song choice and said it was one of her best performances. However, it wasn’t my favorite. I kind of like it when she goes deeper emotionally…remember when she sang “If I Were A Boy”? Sorry, Rachel — you are rapidly becoming my least favorite. Ugh.

Josh Krajcik: Josh happened to sing one of my very favorite songs right now, Rihanna‘s “We Found Love In A Hopeless Place,” and I ate it up with a spoon. Every last note. Perhaps it’s because I obsessively listen to this diddy on repeat, but this might have been my favorite performance so far. “In the recording world, I could never see you doing that song,” L.A. complained. I see what he’s saying, but it was a THEMED night. He had to do a dance song. The song wasn’t “inappropriate” as Simon said. Booo. Go Josh, GO!

Chris Rene: With Astro gone, Chris is the only rapper left and I really appreciate what he brings to the table. I thought his choice to sing T.I.‘s “Live Your Life” was wise. It worked really well. I didn’t feel like he was covering a song — it felt very original, which is awesome and hard to do with Top 40 hits.

SECOND HALF

Melanie Amaro: “This song describes my dream,” Melanie explained about her choice to sing “There Can Be Miracles.” Melanie is a genius. Not only is this song beautiful, it’s impressive. There are some major high notes, and obviously, she WAILED. Gosh, I love her. That said, I wish Melanie would stop talking so much after her songs. Less is more, my dear.

Marcus Canty: Marcus is really, freaking good. He’s just not my style. I’m really not into the R&B stuff, so I can’t get on board. However, objectively speaking, he’s insanely talented, vocally gifted and fabulous performer. “I’m not going to lie and say that’s the best thing I’ve ever heard, it was a bit boring,” Simon said. L.A. made a Muhammad Ali reference about Marcus being down twice but coming back. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening.

Rachel Crow: The judges loved Rachel’s song, but I didn’t find it to be as good as Melanie’s. She’s incredible for a 14-year-old singer, but I’m not sure she’s going to win (like I originally thought). “I love that you pick that song for yourself. Your vision for you is really inspiring,” L.A. said. Meh.

Josh Krajcik: Josh was phenomenal in his second song, and all the judges agreed. I think he’s a strong contender for first place and I’d put him right alongside Melanie. That said, I agreed with Simon’s suggestion that he ditch all the dancers and just SING.

Chris Rene: Chris chose to sing an original song, which is scary, but his first original did so well, I had high hopes for this one too. Wow. This guy knows how to write hits. His songs touch me — and they are SO catchy. It’s not normal to hear a song and then remember it after one listen. This song was a little repetitive, but it showed off his personality beautifully. This put him into the next round for me. “It’s either stupidity or a stroke of genius,” Simon said. “That was a stroke of genius.” And then I got chills. Wow, he might be the dark horse.

What did you think of tonight’s episode? Who do you think will be eliminated before the semi finals? Sound off below!